Littlehampton soldier’s Paralympic Torch honour

Former Littlehampton man Mike Goody was nominated by support staff at the armed forces charity Help for Heroes for his “incredible work” helping rehabilitate other injured soldiers.

Mike, who is currently an acting lance corporal with the RAF, will be carrying the torch as part of a five-man team through Newham, in London, on Wednesday.

He has also been invited to take part in the games’ closing ceremony.

However, he is keeping details about his role in the display a closely-guarded secret.

The 27-year-old, formerly of White Horses Way but who now lives in Felpham, said: “I am so incredibly humbled and honoured to be taking part in the Paralympic Torch relay, especially since the Olympics have just finished.

“To be nominated to carry the flame, during such an important event, is going to do wonders for disabled sports and individuals across the country.

“I’m really excited about my role in the closing ceremony, too.”

Mike’s left leg was partially amputated following a roadside bomb explosion while he was on a routine patrol through Kandahar province, in Afghanistan, in 2008.

It was when he arrived home that he began what he describes as his “long and dark road” to recovery.

“I was in a dark place for almost half a year after my injuries. I was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and I just didn’t want to do anything,” he said.

However, Mike soon became involved with a scheme called Battle Back, a Ministry of Defence initiative supported by Help for Heroes, during his rehabilitation at Headley Court.

Through Battle Back, Mike has been able to overcome his injury and has become a professional water ski and archery instructor.

He now enjoys an incredibly active life and has put this energy to good use undertaking a number challenges, including swimming the Channel and two ironmen triathlons – raising more than £10,000 for Help for Heroes in the process.

He added: “I watched the torch relay and the support it had was great. I hope it’s the same for the Paralympic version. Having it on home ground will certainly boost the reputation of disabled sports in the UK and, I hope, encourage more injured soldiers and anyone with a disability to get involved in sport.”

Mike hopes to train as a paramedic after he is medically discharged from the RAF next year.